Tradewind vs Sea Salt: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect blue paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar shades. Popular options like Sherwin-Williams Tradewind SW 6218 and Sea Salt SW 6204 are beautiful blues that appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these gorgeous colors?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Tradewind vs Sea Salt in-depth to help you determine the right blue paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Key Differences Between Tradewind and Sea Salt

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin-Williams Tradewind and Sea Salt:

Undertones – Tradewind is a green-blue, Sea Salt is a blue-green
Light Reflectance – Tradewind has an LRV of 61, Sea Salt has an LRV of 63
Use – Tradewind suits traditional spaces, Sea Salt works in casual rooms
Rooms – Tradewind excels in dining rooms, Sea Salt shines in bathrooms
Availability – Both come in all paint sheens

Now let’s explore Tradewind and Sea Salt more thoroughly.

Sherwin-Williams Tradewind SW 6218

With its rich green-blue color, Sherwin-Williams Tradewind SW 6218 creates an elegant backdrop perfect for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile, lush teal works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some details about Tradewind:

LRV: 61
Undertones: Blue-green
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, living rooms
Pairs Well With: Neutrals, gold accents, white

Tradewind is a dramatic classic teal with strong blue-green undertones. In certain lights it can take on a deep peacock teal or a true azure blue appearance. The vibrant color has traditional appeal.

The 61 light reflectance value prevents the bold color from feeling too dark and dramatic. Tradewind strikes a harmonious balance.

This versatile teal pairs nicely with both cool and warm accents. Popular color combinations include:

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Linen White
Aged brass and gold accents
Crisp bright white trims
Warm wood tones

While suitable anywhere at home, Tradewind truly excels in these more formal spaces:

Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Living Rooms
Libraries

Tradewind’s lush green-blue tone helps create an elegant, upscale feel as a backdrop.

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW 6204

With its soothing green-blue color, Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 creates a relaxed backdrop reminiscent of the beach. This versatile color works well across styles from casual to formal spaces.

Here are some key details about Sea Salt:

LRV: 63
Undertones: Blue-green
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Casual spaces like bedrooms, baths, kids’ rooms
Pairs Well With: Neutrals, whites, natural woods

Sea Salt is a muted medium-light blue-green with subtle cool undertones. In certain lights it can take on a soothing gray-blue or pale teal appearance. The green influence gives it a refreshing relaxed look.

The 63 light reflectance value keeps the color lively without being too bold. Sea Salt provides a balanced tone suitable for many rooms.

This versatile blue pairs beautifully with neutral, natural accents. Popular combinations include:

Benjamin Moore White Dove
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
Natural wood finishes
White trim and accents
Green foliage

While workable anywhere, Sea Salt looks especially inviting in relaxed rooms like:

Bedrooms
Kids’ Rooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Casual Dining Rooms

Use its soothing backdrop to create a casual coastal feel. Sea Salt keeps spaces calm and peaceful.

Comparing Tradewind vs Sea Salt

Now that we’ve looked at Tradewind and Sea Salt individually, let’s compare them directly:

Light Reflectance

Tradewind has an LRV of 61 compared to Sea Salt’s brighter 63 LRV. This makes Tradewind noticeably darker and bolder.

Undertones

While both are green-blues, Tradewind leans more towards a bold teal. Sea Salt is a softer, more subtle blue-green.

Use & Rooms

Tradewind’s dramatic personality excels in elegant formal areas like dining rooms. Sea Salt’s laidback vibe suits relaxed bedrooms and baths.

Availability

Both Tradewind and Sea Salt come in any paint finish from flat to high-gloss, maximizing sheen options.

Tradewind vs Sea Salt Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Tradewind SW 6218	Sea Salt SW 6204
LRV	61	63
Undertones	Green-blue	Blue-green
Use	Formal rooms	Casual rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional, elegant	Coastal, modern

Real-Life Photos: Tradewind vs Sea Salt

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Tradewind and Sea Salt:

Sherwin-Williams Tradewind

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt

While the two blues may appear similar in some lighting, Tradewind typically reads as bolder and darker than the more relaxing Sea Salt.

Should I Choose Tradewind or Sea Salt?

So how do you decide between Sherwin-Williams Tradewind or Sea Salt for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Tradewind SW 6218 if you want:

A dramatic green-leaning teal
An elegant color perfect for formal dining rooms
To accentuate upscale traditional decor
A bolder blue with some depth

Choose Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A soothing medium blue-green
A relaxed color suitable for bedrooms and baths
A versatile shade for modern or coastal spaces
Good light reflectance for an airy feel

Get color samples of both Tradewind and Sea Salt. Paint large sections on your walls and view at different times/lighting. This gives you the best sense of how they’ll look in your home.

You can also visualize them alongside your current decor. Both offer beautiful blue tones that work with most color schemes.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Tradewind and Sea Salt:

Sherwin-Williams Tradewind

Formal Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Living Rooms
Libraries

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt

Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kids’ Rooms
Kitchens
Casual Dining Rooms

While both blues work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique vibes.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Tradewind and Sea Salt create eye-catching backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Tradewind SW 6218 Pairings

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Linen White
Warm wood tones
Brass light fixtures
Crisp white trims

Sea Salt SW 6204 Pairings

Benjamin Moore White Dove
Natural wood finishes
Rattan and woven textures
White molding and ceilings
Green plants and accents

Tradewind vs Sea Salt – Which is Better?

So which blue paint color is the better choice for your home – Tradewind or Sea Salt?

Consider Tradewind SW 6218 if you want:

A bold teal perfect for elegant formal dining rooms
To accentuate upscale traditional decor
A deep, dramatic blue color
A versatile shade also ideal for bedrooms

Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A soothing medium blue-green
A casual beachy color for bedrooms and baths
To evoke a relaxing coastal vibe
Good light reflectance for an airy feel

While Tradewind offers drama, Sea Salt provides more livability and a laidback personality.

Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful blue you choose will create a stunning space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Tradewind or Sea Salt? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Tradewind and Sea Salt?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for formal vs. casual spaces. Tradewind is a bolder teal-leaning blue. Sea Salt is a more relaxed green-blue.